By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 4th March, 2026
The American embassies in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Kuwait have announced their indefinite closure, with officials from USA urging their citizens to leave the Middle East immediately. This decision comes post the retaliation of the Iranian Army and Defense Forces following the US-Israeli military operation, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials on 28th February, 2026.
The State Department has issued a warning for Americans to depart countries including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, the UAE, and Qatar, citing serious safety risks. Assistant Secretary of State Mora Namdar emphasized the need for Americans to leave the region using available commercial transportation.
Iran has launched missiles and drones throughout the region, targeting US diplomatic facilities. An Iranian drone struck a parking lot next to the American Embassy in Dubai, and the US Embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones, causing minor damage.
US diplomats and lawmakers have questioned the timing of the embassy closures and travel alerts, given the US had been building up its military forces in the region for weeks. Some Democrats have cautioned that the conflict could turn into a prolonged “forever war,” draining American resources.
The conflict has already resulted in six American service members killed, and President Donald Trump has warned of more deaths. Protests against the US have erupted in Pakistan, with demonstrators trying to storm the American consulate in Karachi.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
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